Connector

Abstract

A connector (10) includes a housing (30) with a terminal accommodating portion (31) into which a plurality of differently dimensioned terminals (20) are to be accommodated, and a retainer (60) retains the terminals (20) by being inserted through a side surface of the housing (30). The retainer (60) is moved laterally by operating an operating portion (63) and is held at a partial locking position and a full locking position by locking pieces (65) of the retainer (60) that engage locked portions (44) of the housing (30). The terminals (20) include medium terminals (20M) locked by medium locking lances (56) fit into an escaping portion (68) between the operating portion (63) and the locking pieces (65) in the retainer (60). The escaping portion (68) includes a reinforcement (69) for preventing deformation of the escaping portion (68).

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a connector.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H10-50381 discloses a connector with a housing for accommodating terminals inserted from behind. Locking lances in the housing lock the terminals and a retainer is inserted through a retainer insertion hole in a side surface of the housing for redundantly locking the terminals. Forces exerted on an operating portion at the front end of the retainer can displace the retainer between a partial locking position where the terminals can be inserted and withdrawn and a full locking position where the terminals are locked together with the locking lances. The retainer is held at the partial locking position or the full locking position by locking a resiliently displaceable lock on a back side of the retainer in the inserting direction to a locked portion in the housing.[0005]If differently dimensioned terminals are accom...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a connector with a housing and terminals of different sizes that can be inserted from behind. The connector has a retainer that keeps the terminals from coming out. The retainer is made of metal and can be moved between a partially locked and full locked position. The retainer is locked in place using a lock on the front of the retainer and a reinforcement on the sides to prevent deformation. The connector also has a front holder that can accommodate a front part of a terminal and keeps the retainer in place. The invention allows for easy locking of differently sized terminals and ensures proper placement of the retainer.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, positions where the large locking lances are provided overlap a passage path for the retainer and the large locking lances cannot be provided in the housing.

However, an escaping portion between the lock and the operating portion reduces rigidity between the lock and a force from the operating portion is not transmitted sufficiently to the lock.

Therefore, correctly displacing the retainer between the partial locking position and the full locking position may be impossible.

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